If you break the state’s distracted driving laws after July 1, the penalties will become more severe. A violation for using a handheld cellular phone or texting while driving will result in a fine and also add a point to the driver’s record for each violation occurring within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense. To combat distracted driving, April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, with the first week of the month being California Teen Safe Driving Week. Reporter Cassidy Taylor has more on the campaign…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2019 nationwide. That same year in California, there were at least 18,698 crashes from distracted driving that resulted in 108 deaths and more than 13,500 injuries. Distractions are not limited to cellular phones. Other electronics, children, pets, and eating or drinking while driving can also divert attention and result in a crash.
As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the first week of April is California Teen Safe Driving Week. Throughout the week, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) will place an increased emphasis on informing California’s newest drivers about the dangers and consequences of reckless and distracted driving.
